How we look for jobs and how we get hired these days has certainly changed. Optimize your chances of you getting jobs by making sure that you getting in touch with the right potential employers and with LinkedIn, this is likely more possible than just emailing a company.
So here are 8 tips that will ensure your LinkedIn profile is attractive enough to increase your chances of getting recruited.
1. Start with a professional photo
If you don’t have a professional headshot, add that to your to-do list, and go with the cleanest, most professional looking snapshot you have of yourself.
Remember the photo used creates a first impression with a potential employer, so make sure your smiling.
2. Make your headline stand out.
By default, LinkedIn populates your headline with your job title and current company, but you don’t have to leave it that way. Consider listing your speciality and speaking directly to your followers.
If you want your profile to be searchable, include important keywords and keep it appealing with a headline of about 10 words.
3. Fill out the “summary” field with 5–6 of your biggest achievements.
Use bullet points to make this easy to read. Think about your target reader and then paint a picture of how you can make that person’s life easier.
You can also add media files, including videos, so if you are a speaker or presenter, an introduction video could be a great idea.
4. Fill out as much of the profile as possible.
That includes skills, volunteer associations, education, etc. This is the place to put all the interesting stuff that doesn’t fit on your resume but paints you as a well-rounded individual.
You can add your volunteer experience to your work history if it directly pertains to your job search. This will put it up in the relevant section, not down at the bottom.
5. Keep your work history relevant.
You don’t need to list every single job you ever had. Instead, only list the jobs that are relevant to your current career goals.
6. Add links to relevant sites.
If you have a work-related blog or online portfolio, make use of the three URLs you are allowed on your profile and link to it.
7. Ask for recommendations.
Endorsements are great, but recommendations are the currency of the realm on LinkedIn. Reach out to past colleagues, managers, and associates and ask that they write you a recommendation.
8. Use status updates to share industry-relevant content.
This can help show recruiters that you are focused and in-the-know in your industry